The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1887-08-03
SHARP SENTENCED.
Four Years imprisonment and ,
Fine Of $4,000.

Four Years imprisonment and .
Fine Of $4,000.
Jacob Sharp, the aged President Of the
Broadway Railway Company, of New York
city, has been sentenced to four years i'm
prisonment at hard labor and to pay fine of
5000 for bribing the Aldermen of the Board
of 1884 to grant his company a charter. De-
scribing the scene when sentence was pro-
nounced by Judge Barrett, a metropolitan
paper says:
All the counsel for the defense were present
except Judge Full.rton. Judge Barrett came
to court with his face yellow and drawn from
his bilious attack.
Judge Nelson made q motion for n new
trial and the motion was denied, and then
District Attorney MARITIME said:
"The defendant, Jacob Sharp, has been con-
victed of bribery, and it now becomes my
duty to ask the Court to impose sentence. Be
cause of the allegations made regarding MIR.
Sharp's health, it became necessary for me to
give the Court all the information l could on
this point"
Then Mr.. MARITIME read two certificates pre-
pared by DrS Hamilton and Janeway, who
said that Sharp was suffering from an atfec-
tion Of the heart with suggestion OF dla-
betes. Dr. Hamilton had insp .cted the hos
pital at Sing Sing prison. and reported that
it was fine, clean place, with plenty of fresh
air and pure milk.
Judge Nelson made an appeal for mercy,
and then Chief Clerk Sparks asked of Sharp:
"What have you now to say why sentence
should not be pronounced against you"
Mr.. Sharp raised his head, his eyes moved
rcstlessly about, and his lips moved. Two
court officers seized him and tried to raise
him to his feet, but Judge Barrett
L. ,,~lt 1-oo, l,
chair. His head fell forward as Judge
Barrett began to speak. Mrs Sharp and
Peter Mitchell vigorously famed him. Judge
Barrett then made lengthy address, which
brought tears into the eyes of the convict's
faithful wife. Judge Barrett told Sharp that
he and Kerr and Foshay, of the Broad
way Railway Company, were thieves
as we'll as bribe givers, and that
by theft and bribery, and with no sign OF re-
pentance or restitution, had little ground on
which to seek for mercy. The Judge wound
up his address as follows:
"The recommendation of the most intelll-
gent and faithful jury will be considered, the
prisoners i'll health will be considered, and
the unfortunate position of his wife and fam.
lily will be considered. On tho other hand
there must be considered the fact that he
guilt but denying it, and holding on to the
money he got by bribery.
''Now what is the proper modicum under all
these circumstances! My conclusion is this,
and this is the judgment of the Court, that
this defendant be confined at hari labor in
the State prison for perioi of four years
and I've fined 5000"
As the sentence was pronounced MIR. Sharp
raised his head quickly and looked at Judge
Barrett. Hisexpression was brighter than it
has been fr many days, there was sparkle
in his eyes, and he looked as though he fully
realized the situation and was agreeably dis
appointed.
A rush was made for the doors by the
crowd, but quiet was restored after sharp
struggle and then the lawyers gathered
about Judge Barret The defence were
afraid their client would be locked up
in the Tombs, but the Judge refused
to discuss this matter, saying it
was question which must be decided by the
Sheriff Mr.. Sharp was assisted down the
flight of stairs to the Sheriff7s Office. He
seemed overcome, and trembled violently.
His wife leaned over him, wiping his fore
heal and tanning him. His son-in-law,
John H. Selmes supported him until he recov-
cred himself. From the Sheriff's office Sharp
was taken back to Ludlow Street Jail, thence
to be taken to Sing Sing. Later temporary
stay Of proceedings was granted;